Table tennis scoring device

ABSTRACT

A table tennis scoring system for the monitoring and recording the score of the table tennis game includes a scoring display unit mounted to a table tennis table to keep track of the scores of two sides of the game. First and second table sensors are mounted to the table, and a net sensor is mounted to a net. The first and second table sensors and the net sensor are connected to the scoring display unit to relay detections by the sensors to the scoring display unit. A first game control device is secured to a first baseline of the table, the game control device is connected to the scoring display unit for controlling the display unit&#39;s functionality. The scoring display unit has a first numerical display facing a first baseline on one side and a second numerical display facing a second baseline.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a table tennis scoring device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a table tennis scoring device that is mounted to a net secured to the table tennis table.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of table tennis has been popular in the U.S. and internationally for over a hundred years. When typically played by two teams of one or two players each, the game involves a table with two sides, a net, a hollow ball and one paddle or racquet per player. During play, a first player serves a ball over a net and a second player on the opposing team hits the ball back until one player fails to return the ball. The racquet, or paddle, is made of wood and the racquet head is typically covered with a layer of rubber. A regulation table tennis table is 274 cm long, 152 cm wide and 76 cm high. The tables generally have a dark green or blue colored wooden top.

A typical table tennis table has a first and a second section of a table tennis playing surface defining a gap there between. Each section may be hingedly affixed to a base structure so that the table may be folded up for storage. When positioned in a playing configuration, net posts are typically affixed to each side of the table for receiving ends of a table tennis net. A typical game is scored until one player reaches 21 or higher with a lead of at least 2, and the serve typically switches teams after very five serves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a table tennis scoring system for the monitoring and recording the score of the table tennis game without disrupting the game. The scoring system includes a scoring display unit mounted to a table tennis table to keep track of the scores of two sides of the game. First and second table sensors are mounted to the table, and a net sensor is mounted to a net extending across the table. The first and second table sensors and the net sensor are connected to the scoring display unit to relay detections by the sensors to the scoring display unit. A first game control device is secured to a first baseline of the table, the game control device connected to the scoring display unit for controlling the display unit's functionality. The scoring display unit has a first numerical display facing a first baseline on one side of the table and a second numerical display facing a second baseline on the other side of the table.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a method of monitoring and recording the score of the table tennis game without disrupting the game. The method includes: mounting a scoring display unit to a table tennis table,and keeping track of the scores of two sides of the game; mounting first and second table sensors to the table tennis table, and mounting a net sensor to a net extending across the table; connecting the first and second table sensors and the net sensor to the scoring display unit for relaying detections by the first and second table sensors and the net sensor to the scoring display unit; providing at least a first game control device to a first baseline of the table; and providing the scoring display unit with a first numerical display facing a first baseline on one side of the table and providing a second numerical display facing a second baseline on the other side of the table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (FIGS.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent, particularly when taken in light of the following illustrations wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front three-dimensional view of the table tennis scoring system, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 a front three-dimensional view of the mounted display unit of the table tennis scoring system, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front three-dimensional view of the sensors of the table tennis scoring system in use, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the of the table tennis scoring system, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention.

In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

Table tennis is a popular recreational activity commonly known as “ping-pong”. The traditional game is played by two players, each positioned at an opposite end of the table so as to volley the table tennis ball across the net affixed at the mid-point of the table. Four players can play a doubles game in similar fashion. The object of the traditional game is to make a shot across the net that the opposing player cannot return. A point is scored when one player cannot return shot. Therefore, a successful or skillful player is one who can strategically place the ball at a point on the table that will cause the ball to carom out of the opponent's reach or to carom in such a manner as to be difficult for the other player to return.

Often, when played at an amateur level, the score from point to point is merely remembered by each player along with the number of serves before service is changed. Although usually a reliable system, if a player is distracted or the player's concentration is broken, it may lead to the player misremembering the score or forgetting to change service. Conversely, if a player is concentrating on the score, it may distract the player's attention from the game in progress. Accordingly,there is a need for an improved method of keeping score for a table tennis game and to indicate when to change service.

FIG. 1 illustrates a table tennis scoring system (hereafter “scoring system”) 10, designed to provides a wireless scoring system for a game of table tennis, such that the score of the game is efficiently recorded and monitored without disrupting the game. The scoring system 10 includes a mounted scoring display unit 14 which is preferably is mounted to or adjacent the table tennis table 12.

The scoring display unit 14 is a fully automated scoring device which keeps track of the scores of two sides of a game of table tennis. The scoring display unit 14 utilizes a first display 16 facing one side of the table 12 and a second display 17 facing the other side of the table. Further, there are two table sensors 20 and 22, and a net sensor 24, which relay detections to the scoring display unit 14. The scoring display unit 14 announces the score, as well as when to change serves.

As seen in FIG. 2, the table tennis table 12 is illustrated with the scoring system 10. The scoring device 10 includes a scoring display unit 14 mounted to the net post 13 of table tennis table 12. The scoring display unit 14 incorporates an attachment portion 15, which has first and second openings 15 a and 15 b to mount the scoring display unit upon the net post 13. It is also within the terms of the invention to mount the scoring display unit 14 to the net in any other manner. While the housing 18 of the scoring display unit 14 is typically constructed of plastic, it is within terms of the invention to construct it of any desired material.

The mounted scoring display unit 14 incorporates the housing 18 having a first side 14 a that faces first baseline 12 a of the table tennis table 12 Then the mounted display unit 14 is installed. The housing 18 is designed to encase all components of the display, including the internal electronics. The first display 16 constructed including a screen is disposed on the first side 14 a of the mounted display unit 14. Similarly, the housing 18 has a second side 14 b that faces the second baseline 12 b of the table tennis table 12 when the mounted display unit 14 is installed. The second display 17 including a screen is disposed on the second side 14 b of the mounted display unit 14. The first and second displays 16 and 17 can be composed of any type of numerical display including, electromechanical, electromagnetic, dot matrix, light-emitting diode arrays (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or plasma displays.

The first and second displays 16 and 17 can show any relevant information. For example, the upper portion 16 a of the first display 16 can show the score of the first player and the lower portion 16 b can show the score of the second player. The upper portion 16 a can show the initial amount of balls to be served by the first player. The number of the balls to be served by the first player will be decreased to zero as play continues. When the upper portion 16 a is decreased to zero, the lower portion 16 d will show five balls that are now to be served by the second player.

As illustrated further in FIGS. 1 and 3, mounted to the baseline 12 is a game control device 30. Although control device 30 is shown on baseline 12 a, a second control device may be secured to the second baseline 12. The control device 30 is connected to the mounted display unit 14 and may be used to turn the display unit 14 on, as well as control its functionality. For example, control device 30 can include a reset button 26 which can be used to reset both team's scores to zero, and a score adjustment mechanism, preferably a score reset button 28, as seen in FIG. 2. The score reset button 28 instructs electronics within the housing 18 to remove the most recent point added to the scoring displays and correspondingly reduces the serve variable. Although a simple one-button mechanism is sufficient, score adjustment mechanism 32 can include multiple buttons or a keypad for various adjustment functions. The score reset and game reset functions override the normal scoring logic of the housing 18.

In a preferred embodiment, a signaling device 31 such as a speaker, beeper, buzzer or light is located in or adjacent housing 18. Preferred signals include audible tones with one or more notes and/or flashing lights with sufficient volume and/or brightness to attract the player's attention when the signal is given, but without breaking a player's concentration. In an alternate embodiment, a volume control 29 can be used to select the desired sound volume.

Each half 32 and 34 of the table tennis table 12 include a table sensor 20 and 22, respectively. In a first embodiment, the table sensors 20 and 22 is a noise sensor and are provided for sensing the hitting sound of the ball of the table tennis game onto the tables. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, the table sensors 20 and 22 may incorporate nano-vibration detection sensor which turn each of the two halves 32 and 34 of the table tennis table 12 into a detection field that identifies ball contact anywhere on the table. The sensors 20 and 22 sense bounces of a table tennis ball on first or second side of the table tennis table. Further, a net sensor 24 incorporates a vibration detection sensor detect when the ball touches the net 28. Sensor data output is operably connected to a digital signal processor located in the housing 18, which acquires and processes the sensor data to determine ball hits unique to each one of the table sensors 20 and 22 and net sensor 24. While three sensors, 20 and 22 and net sensor 24, have been shown, s within the scope of the invention to provide additional sensors on each side of the table and on the net.

A digital signal processor located in the housing 18 determines whether the ball hit occurred on the table's first side, second side, or net. The digital signal processor subsequently processes the sequence of ball bounces to determine the winner of the last volley, the count of points each player has accrued, who the server for the next serve should be, and the winner at the end of the game. The digital signal processor is in operable communication with the mounted display unit 14 thereby enabling the first and second displays 16 and 17, respectively, to display the number f points counted for each player, which player owns the serve, which player won the last serve, and the winner of the game.

This method by which the located in the housing 18, located in the housing 18 determines the ball hits and hit locations is by exploiting the fact that every sound has special characteristics comprised of a unique frequency spectrum. This fact aids the located in the housing 18 in determining whether the received signals from the microphone sensors 20, 22 and 24 are initiated from a ball hit or another rigid body hitting the table 12, or even another sound created in the environment.

For example, a first algorithm (algorithm 1) employed to detect a ball hit at a single point without significant noise assumes that a ball hit can be detected by the use of one microphone sensor at a single point. A ball hit produces unique frequencies within finite regions FR₁₋₃ the frequency spectrum, where FR₁ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₁,b₁), FR₂ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₂,b₂), and FR₃ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₃,b₃). The relationship between the maximum amplitudes at frequency regions FR₁₋₃ produced by a ball hit are always maintained. Thus, the effect of noise is assumed to have either no effect or an equal effect over the aforementioned frequency regions.

Step 1 of the algorithm defines and tunes frequency constant values (a₁,b₁), (a₂,b₂), and (a₃,b₃). Step 2 defines FR₁, FR₂, FR₃ as frequency regions (a₁,b₁), (a₂,b₂), and (a b₃), respectively. Step 3 defines logic test comparisons between FR₁, FR₂, and FR₃ determined by experimental results, e.g., FR₃>FR₂>FR₁. Step 4 reads the frequency spectrum. Step 5 finds the maximum amplitudes within each of FR₁, FR₂, and FR₃. At step 6, a ball hit is declared if all of the aforementioned logic comparisons are true, i.e., ball hit=True if comparison test passes, otherwise ball hit=False. Step 7 directs the processor to resume execution at step 4.

Alternatively, a second algorithm (algorithm 2) employed to detect a ball hit at a single point with limited noise assumes that a ball hit can be detected by the use of one microphone sensor at a single point. In this case, a ball hit produces unique frequencies within finite regions FR₁₋₃ in the frequency spectrum, where FR₁ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₁,b₁), FR₂ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₂,b₂), and FR₃ is comprised of experimentally tuned frequencies (a₃,b₃).

The effect of noise is assumed to have a partial effect over only the frequency region that is nearest a fundamental frequency of the noise. The relationship between the maximum amplitudes at frequency regions FR₁₋₃ produced by a ball hit e still maintained at the frequency regions farthest away from the noise spectrum.

The steps of algorithm 2 include steps 1 through 5, which are the same as steps I through 5 in the first algorithm (algorithm 1). Step 6 determines the frequency noise (F_(nsmax)) having the highest amplitude F_(ns) (test only for frequencies less than a₁, OR greater than b₃). At step 7, a ball hit is declared if all of the aforementioned logic comparisons are true, i.e., if ball hit=True, the processor is directed to resume execution at (GoTO) step 4; otherwise, ball hit=False, and the processor is directed to resume execution at (GoTO) step 8. At step 8, if F_(ns)<a₁, then apply the logic relationship test between FR₂ and FR₃ only, i.e., neglect comparisons with FRI. If F_(ns)>b₃, then apply the logic relationship test between FR₂ and FR₁ only, i e., neglect comparisons with FR₃. If either of e aforementioned logic comparisons is true, then a ball hit is declared, i.e., ball hit=True. Otherwise, the ball hit=False. Processing is resumed at step 4.

Additionally, the sensors 26 detect sufficient vibrations in the net to determine whether a ball touches the net during play. Accelerometers are very sensitive to this case, and may be used to determine if specific vibration has occurred in the net of table 12.

Logic analysis is divided into two main functions. The first function is to analyze the outputs of the sensors and determine at which side of the table the ball hit occurred. Using a simple algorithm, as indicated below, can initially solve the problem.

A sensor network algorithm determines on which side the ball has hit. The sensor network algorithm utilizes the fact that in a network of “n” microphones on each side of the table, all n microphones have captured the ball hit. Microphones closer to the ball hit capture a higher amplitude signal than more distant microphones.

Scoring system 10 further includes a power supply 38 which powers the mounted display unit 14, signaling device 30, sensors 22, 24, and 26, and any other desired components. Power supply 38 is preferably a transformer connected to an electrical socket. Alternatively, power supply 38 could be a battery supply and could use, for example, a standard 9-volt battery or several standard 1.5-volt C or D batteries.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the scoring system 10 can include a data server 40, which contains a computer and a database, that is typically wirelessly interconnected with a plurality of mounted display units 42 via infrared, radio frequency, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remote control. The data server 40 of the remote control system transmits the data received from the plurality of mounted display units 18 to users of the programmable electronic sports target system. This allows the results of games to be saved within the data server 40. Further, particular shot placement may be transmitted to the data server. Preferably, users download target application software 42 to their mobile communications devices 44, such as smart phones 46, tablet devices 48, or other mobile communications devices 50. The data server 40 can transmit desired data to the target application software 42 where users can obtain this data through their mobile communications devices 44. In addition, all of the data can be stored on the data server where it can be retrieved later. The target application software 42 can be installed into the mobile communications devices 44 of each individual that is participating in use of the programmable electronic sports target system 10.

Further, the target application software 42 can control and manipulate the plurality of mounted display units 14. A user can enter specific commands into the target application software 42 with directives for the mounted display units 14. These commands are transmitted to the data server 40. Then, the data server 40 transmits this information to the mounted display units 14, which receive the information.

Although not illustrated, in alternate embodiments, the present invention could be used on various types of games where two teams need to record their scores. Examples of such games include tennis, basketball, table hockey, table soccer or foosball and similar games. In such games, the scoring displays can be mounted adjacent the game playing area, with the corresponding logic stored in the controller and appropriate signals generated for scoring, end of game, change of team, as appropriate may he included.

Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. 

1. A table tennis scoring system for the monitoring and recording the score of the table tennis game without disrupting the game, comprising: a scoring display unit mounted to a table tennis table to keep track of the scores of two sides of the game; first and second table sensors mounted to the table and a net sensor mounted to a net extending across the table; the first and second table sensors and the net sensor connected to the scoring display unit to relay detections by the sensors to the scoring display unit; at east a first game control device secured to a first baseline of the table, the at least first game control device connected to the scoring display unit for controlling the display unit's functionality; and the scoring display unit having a first numerical display facing a first baseline on one side of the table and a second numerical display facing a second baseline on the other side of the table.
 2. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein the scoring display unit incorporates an attachment portion, which has a hollow core with first and second openings at opposite ends to mount the scoring display unit upon a net post at one end of the net.
 3. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein the first and second displays can be selected from the group consisting of electromechanical displays, electromagnetic displays, dot matrix displays, light-emitting diode arrays (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), or plasma displays.
 4. The table tennis scoring system of claim 3 wherein a housing encases all components of the first and second display and electronics to control the first and second displays.
 5. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein at least a second game control device is secured to a second baseline of the table, the at least second game control device connected to the scoring display unit for controlling the display unit's functionality.
 6. The table tennis scoring system of claim 3 wherein the first display has an upper portion that shows the score of the first player and a lower portion that shows the score of the second player.
 7. The table tennis scoring system of claim 3 wherein the control device includes a reset button to reset both team's scores to zero, and a score adjustment mechanism, preferably a score reset button.
 8. The table tennis scoring system of claim 4 further including a signaling device located in the housing.
 9. The table tennis scoring system of claim 8 wherein the signaling device is selected from group comprising a speaker, a beeper, a buzzer and a light.
 10. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein the table sensor is a noise sensor for sensing the hitting sound of the ball of the table tennis game onto the table.
 11. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein the table sensor is a nano-vibration detection sensor which turns each half of the table tennis table into a detection field that identifies ball contact anywhere on the table.
 12. The table tennis scoring system of claim 1 wherein the net sensor is a nano-vibration detection sensor which detects when the ball touches the net.
 13. The table tennis scoring system of claim 4 wherein a digital signal processor located in the housing determines where on the table a ball is hit.
 14. The table tennis scoring system of claim 13 wherein the digital signal processor is in operable communication with the mounted display unit, thereby enabling the first and second displays, respectively, to display game data.
 15. A method for the monitoring and recording the score of the table tennis game without disrupting the game, comprising: mounting a scoring display unit to a table tennis table; keeping track of the scores of two sides of the game; mounting first and second table sensors to the table tennis table; mounting a net sensor to a net extending across the table; connecting the first and second table sensors and the net sensor to the scoring display unit for relaying detections by the first and second table sensors and the net sensor to the scoring display unit; providing at least a first game control device to a first baseline of the table; and providing the scoring display unit with a first numerical display facing a first baseline on one side of the table and providing a second numerical display facing a second baseline on the other side of the table.
 16. The method of claim 15 further including encasing all components of the first and second display and electronics within a housing.
 17. The method of claim 15 further including controlling the scoring display unit with a second game control device secured to a second baseline of the table.
 18. The method of claim 15 further including resetting both team's scores and adjusting the scores with the control device.
 19. The method of claim 15 further including determining where on the table a ball is hit with a digital signal processor located in the housing.
 20. The method of claim 19 further including displaying game data on the first and second displays from communication between the digital signal processor and the mounted display unit. 